AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System explained

The AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EODAS)^[1] is the first of a new generation of sensor systems being fielded on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. DAS consists of six high-resolution infrared sensors mounted around the F-35's airframe in such a way as to provide unobstructed spherical (4π steradian) coverage and functions around the aircraft without any pilot input or aiming required.^[2]

The DAS provides three basic categories of functions in every direction simultaneously:^[3]

• Missile detection and tracking (including launch point detection and countermeasure cueing)^[4]
• Aircraft detection and tracking (situational awareness, infrared search and track (IRST) and air-to-air missile cueing)
• Imagery for cockpit displays and pilot night vision (imagery displayed onto the helmet mounted display)

The F-35's DAS was flown in military operational exercises in 2011,^[5] has demonstrated the ability to detect and track ballistic missiles to ranges exceeding 800miles,^[6] and has also demonstrated the ability to detect and track multiple small suborbital rockets simultaneously in flight.^[7] The AN/AAQ-37 DAS is designed and produced by Northrop Grumman. The current sensors used in the system may have insufficient night acuity for pilots used to flying with night vision goggles (NVG), and are therefore augmented by an embedded NVG camera in the helmet.^[8] A DAS test system has also been used to track tank gun firing, but this is "not an F-35 requirement".^[9] The EODAS has been produced by Raytheon since 2018 after Northrop Grumman decided not to participate in a follow on competition.^[10]

See Also

• List of military electronics of the United States

External links

• AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for the F-35

Notes and References

1. https://www.raytheonintelligenceandspace.com/what-we-do/air-dominance/eodas
2. Web site: Carey. Bill. 'Game-Changing' EO DAS Nears Action on Joint Strike Fighter. August 2008. Avionics Magazine. 8 March 2012. 15 December 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121215051919/http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/military/Industry-Scan_24687.html. dead.
3. Web site: Northrop Grumman F-35 DAS. Northrop Grumman. 2 May 2013. 6 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141106053928/http://www.northropgrumman.com/capabilities/anaaq37f35/pages/default.aspx. dead.
4. Web site: F-35 DAS Video. Northrop Grumman. 2 May 2013.
5. Web site: Saiki. Lt. Col. Tracey . 'Continued testing of F-35 JSF sensors a success at Northern Edge 2011 . Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau. 8 March 2012.
6. Web site: 'Distributed Aperture System Tracks Ballistic Missiles from 1,300 km Away. Defense Update. 8 March 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120423005912/http://defense-update.com/features/2010/november/02112010_das_missile_track.html. 23 April 2012. dead.
7. Web site: 'Airborne Sensors Tracked NASA Suborbital Rockets. https://archive.today/20130202150442/http://www.spacenews.com/military/120626-sensors--track-sounding-rockets.html. dead. February 2, 2013. Defense Update. 8 March 2012.
8. Ewing, Philip. "Lockheed’s comprehensive Q&A on the F-35." DoD Buzz, June 19th, 2012.
9. http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2013/02/11/F-35-device-shows-new-capabilities/UPI-45871360610033/ "F-35 device shows new capabilities."
10. Web site: Raytheon snags F-35 system business previously held by Northrop . 13 June 2018 .